Jessica Chastain’s ‘Other Mommy’ Continues to Earn Despite Poor Reviews and Significant Drop

voice film logo squareArthur S. Poe
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Horror films have a long-standing reputation for demonstrating that negative reviews don’t always hinder box office success. With a modest budget, an eerie premise, and a strong opening weekend, even a film that faces critical backlash can turn a profit. Jessica Chastain’s latest horror offering serves as a prime example.

‘Other Mommy’ is a Universal and Blumhouse production directed by Rob Savage, known for ‘Host’ and ‘The Boogeyman’. The film is adapted from Josh Malerman’s novel ‘Incidents Around the House’, featuring a script by ‘Succession’ writer Nathan Elston, with producer James Wan involved. The plot revolves around a young girl named Bela who develops a bond with a sinister presence in her home that resembles her mother.

Released in theaters on October 9, the film’s financial performance is noteworthy: it has grossed approximately $78.7 million to $78.8 million globally against a production budget of around $18 million. Some box office analysts predict it could finish between $95 million and $110 million, marking a solid return for a film that has not resonated well with critics or audiences.

The film’s debut was a significant advantage, opening at No. 1 with an estimated $27.5 million domestically from 3,365 theaters, surpassing Variety’s projection of around $20 million. It also added $17.69 million from international markets, bringing its worldwide opening to $45.2 million.

Thursday previews contributed $3.6 million, while Friday’s total reached $12.6 million, including previews. This marked the best opening weekend for a Blumhouse film in 2026, although Atomic Monster’s ‘Backrooms’ had a larger debut. Given its modest budget, ‘Other Mommy’ recouped its costs almost immediately.

However, early warning signs emerged quickly. The film received a D+ CinemaScore from opening-night audiences and holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of approximately 17% to 18% from critics. Such low ratings typically forecast a sharp decline in the following weeks.

Indeed, in its second weekend, ‘Other Mommy’ experienced a drop of about 70%, earning $8.3 million and landing in third place. Some analysts have labeled it one of Blumhouse’s most significant declines ever.

Despite this downturn, the overall numbers remain promising. The film’s domestic total has reached $44.8 million, with estimates suggesting its break-even point is around $45 million, which it nearly achieved through its domestic run alone. Variety has classified it as a hit despite the drop.

Additionally, the film has elevated Chastain’s standing in her career, surpassing ‘Lawless’, which grossed $37.4 million, making ‘Other Mommy’ the ninth-highest-grossing film of her career at the U.S. box office. This is a noteworthy achievement for an actress primarily recognized for her dramatic performances.

Screenshot 2026 10 10 at 08 55 08 Other Mommy Rotten Tomatoes

Critics have been unforgiving. One reviewer noted that the script felt lacking and suggested that Savage prioritized visual effects over storytelling. However, the chemistry between Chastain and Jay Duplass received praise, and Karen Allen’s supporting role was also highlighted positively.

Audience reactions have been equally pointed, with some suggesting the film would have worked better as a comedy. This feedback has sparked a wave of online discussions, keeping the film in the public eye. Sometimes, the most vocal criticism can drive curiosity.

Chastain portrays two characters: Ursula, Bela’s mother, and the eerie Other Mommy. The cast also features Arabella Olivia Clark as Bela, Dichen Lachman, Arian Moayed, and Karen Allen. The trailer drew comparisons to ‘Coraline’, as both narratives involve a creepy, otherworldly maternal figure, although ‘Other Mommy’ targets an adult audience.

The trailer itself generated significant buzz, with reports indicating it left audiences at ‘The Odyssey’ feeling frightened. This early marketing strategy helped build anticipation leading up to the opening weekend, but in retrospect, it set expectations that the film struggled to fulfill.

The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining the film’s trajectory. Horror movies often see a front-loaded box office, and a 70% decline in the second weekend suggests a rapid tapering off. Achieving the $95 million to $110 million range will depend on strong international performance.

Nevertheless, the film has already accomplished what Universal and Blumhouse aimed for: profitability on a modest investment. Whether it evolves into a franchise or remains a standalone film is yet to be seen. For now, it serves as a reminder that horror fans tend to show up on opening weekend, regardless of critical reception.

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